According to a press report by the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Water Police, an unusual accident occurred on the afternoon of 15 August 2026 at the Warnemünde marina on the Mittelmole. At around 3 pm, the Rostock Water Police Station was informed by the fire brigade control centre that a car and trailer combination had sunk in the harbour basin.
According to initial investigations, a 48-year-old man from the Rostock district wanted to launch his jet ski, which was being transported on a trailer, at the slipway. As it did not slide off the trailer by itself, the owner tried to help it along by pushing it.
It appears that the entire combination then began to move. The car and trailer rolled down the slope and sank completely into the harbour basin. According to the police, it was no longer possible to stop them from the outside. Fortunately, there were no people in the vehicle at the time.
Fire brigade recovers the vehicle
The fire brigade’s diving team attached a recovery harness and then lifted the vehicle and trailer out of the water. The Rostock Port Authority, which is responsible for the area, and the Environmental Agency were also present at the scene.
As far as is currently known, no contamination of the harbour basin caused by leaking operating fluids has been detected. According to initial estimates, the car sustained damage amounting to around 70,000 euros. The police believe the vehicle is a write-off.
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
